The Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) of AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project has endorsed new implementation approach that seeks to transform Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI) into hubs of scientific and technological excellence.
The decision was made public during the first JCC meeting on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, which brought together officials from Kenya’s Ministry of Education, Japanese Embassy Nairobi, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), PAUSTI and JKUAT.
Under the new phase, AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project will focus on strengthen research, innovation, capacity building, and collaboration in science, technology and engineering across Africa. Emphasis will also be placed on deepening collaboration with industry to enhance the relevance of research, promote technology transfer, and strengthen university-industry linkages.
Additionally, the project seeks to expand academic and research collaboration between JKUAT and Japanese institutions through joint research, staff and student exchanges, targeted grants, curriculum development, and knowledge sharing.
The initiative is also expected to advance the Africa-Japan Innovation Network for Science, Technology and Innovation (AJ-INSPIRE) by fostering stronger partnerships among universities, industry, and research institutions to drive innovation and capacity development across the continent.
The meeting reviewed progress made between December 2025 and June 2026, with the project’s various sub-task forces presenting reports on key milestones, achievements, challenges, and priority areas that will guide implementation during the new phase.
Speaking during the meeting, JICA Chief Representative Mr. Makoto Shinkawa lauded the progress achieved under the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project, noting that the initiative continues to make a significant contribution to higher education, research, innovation, and human resource development.
He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting the project’s implementation and strengthening collaboration with JKUAT and other partner institutions.
“As JICA, we believe it is imperative to continue building and strengthening the capacity of our partner institutions to drive innovation, advance research, and develop the skilled human resources needed to address Africa’s development challenges,” said Mr. Shinkawa.
Representative of the State Department for Higher Education, Ms. Rose Ndegwa, commended JICA for its continued support of higher education, research, innovation, and capacity building in Kenya.
She expressed the Government’s appreciation for the longstanding partnership, noting that the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project has played a significant role in strengthening research collaborations, developing human capital, and enhancing the quality of science, technology, and engineering education in the country.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi said the project has significantly enhanced the University’s research capacity, resulting in high-impact outputs that address real-world challenges.
“Through targeted grants and collaborative initiatives, we have seen remarkable advancements in areas such as agriculture, including improvements along the potato value chain, biotechnology, engineering, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics,” said Prof. Ngumi.
The Vice Chancellor further noted that the project has strengthened JKUAT’s collaboration with Japanese universities and researchers, elevating the University’s standing as a regional hub for scientific research, innovation, and technological advancement.
She added that the achievements realised under Phase II of the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project demonstrate the transformative power of strategic international partnerships in building Africa’s capacity for sustainable, science-driven development.
JKUAT Chair of Council, Dr. Micah Onsando noted that the project has catalysed a vibrant research and innovation ecosystem at JKUAT and the Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation (PAUSTI).
He said collaborative programmes have supported cutting-edge research in agriculture, biotechnology, engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics.
“These initiatives have produced practical solutions, including advancements in crop value chains and student-led innovations that have gained international acclaim,” said Dr. Onsando.
Speaking on JICA’s implementation approach Ms. Mai Toda, Team Leader for the Academic Network, said the new phase will strengthen the Japanese support structure, establish a cross-cutting team to coordinate industry and international collaboration, and introduce a revised monitoring framework featuring continuous monitoring and semi-annual progress reviews to enhance project implementation and accountability.
The meeting also featured the first-ever poster presentation awards ceremony during a Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) meeting, recognizing outstanding research under the AFRICA-ai-JAPAN Project.
Ruth Maina won the top award for developing an eco-friendly oil absorbent from water hyacinth cellulose. Patience N. Nduku was named first runner-up for her research on extracting and characterising potato starch to enhance value addition, while Anne Muthui took second runner-up for developing a data-driven fertilizer recommendation system to improve potato production in Nyandarua County. The awards underscored the project’s commitment to promoting research excellence and innovation.
JKUAT and partners have set focus on effectively implementing the Project’s priority activities, strengthening collaboration with Japanese institutions and industry, and delivering research and innovation that addresses societal and industrial challenges across the region.
